Below The Radar Newshttps://belowtheradarnews.com
Because sometimes the best news in franchising is just below the surface.Mon, 25 Sep 2017 15:42:00 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.2BelowTheRadarNewshttps://feedburner.google.comHow does Peer-to-Peer Payment Work?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/0oSGXRK8TBs/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/how-does-peer-to-peer-payment-work/#respondMon, 25 Sep 2017 15:42:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/how-does-peer-to-peer-payment-work/Life happens. You’re out to dinner with a friend and when the bill comes, you realize your wallet is at home. Or, maybe it’s vice versa. Perhaps your cousin owes you some money for a joint family gift you purchased for grandma.

Cash and checks still work, but, more often, people are relying on electronic money transfers when they need to pay somebody money that is owed.

In recent years, a host of so-called peer-to-peer payment apps have begun to grow in popularity as people look for reliable ways to get the money they are due, or make payments to someone else. With just a few taps on a smartphone, these peer-to-peer payment apps make it easy to get that money back. To sign on, users simply download the app and, typically, link their bank account or a credit card or debit card to it.

Paypal is among the biggest players on the market. Money transfers are immediate and there’s only a charge if you receive money or services through a transaction on the site.

For each of these apps, terms vary widely. So it’s critical to read the fine print before signing up with any of them.

Here are four things to consider before signing up for a peer-to-peer payment app:

1.Your friends and family might have to sign up too.

These P2P payment apps often only work if the people you need to send money to or get money from also are part of the network. So, if you sign up for one app, but all of your friends are using another, the app won’t be of much use to you. So, check around with your friends and family to find out what they’re using so you all can be on the same page.

2. You might not get your money right away.

Again, the terms vary widely. But, in some cases, it may take a few days for the money to move from one account to another. That might be fine if your friend owes you $10 for a movie ticket. The delay, however, could be a big problem if you’re using the app to receive your roommate’s half of the rent and it doesn’t clear before your landlord expects a check.

The agency recommends reading the service’s user agreement and linking only your checking or savings account or credit card to the account. Federal law protects money withdrawn from these accounts. But, if you’ve linked another account, such as one created by the peer-to-peer app, they may not have the same protections, according to the agency. Instead, you could be at the mercy of state laws or the service’s own policies.

In other words, before signing up for any service like this, do your research.

Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) is a non-profit committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to make wise financial decisions and live debt free. Speak with a certified counselor for a free debt analysis today!

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/how-does-peer-to-peer-payment-work/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/how-does-peer-to-peer-payment-work/​4 Ways CMOs Can Localize Marketing to Drive Saleshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/bhE5bZim6n8/%E2%80%8B4-ways-cmos-can-localize-marketing-to-drive-sales.html
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/%e2%80%8b4-ways-cmos-can-localize-marketing-to-drive-sales/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 17:26:17 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/%e2%80%8b4-ways-cmos-can-localize-marketing-to-drive-sales/No matter how far a company expands geographically, local marketing is crucial for making sales happen. This is especially relevant for franchises with local owners.

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/%e2%80%8b4-ways-cmos-can-localize-marketing-to-drive-sales/feed/0https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/%E2%80%8B4-ways-cmos-can-localize-marketing-to-drive-sales.htmlPlanning a Vacation – What Are Your Pet Care Options?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/g4nRNqXIaB4/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/planning-a-vacation-what-are-your-pet-care-options/#respondWed, 20 Sep 2017 13:26:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/planning-a-vacation-what-are-your-pet-care-options/Pets are part of your family, like a small, furry child. Unfortunately, pets aren’t always welcome when you travel. If you are planning a vacation, and wondering how to make sure your beloved pet is cared for in the process, we have some pet care options for you.

Pet Care Options

1. Check with Your Hotel

Some hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations. For a nominal fee, your pet may be able to travel with you and stay in your room, or stay at a facility similar to a pet hotel. If you are going to be taking the type of vacation that wouldn’t cause stress to your pet, and taking them with you is reasonably accommodated, why not give it a try? Be aware that it is common for hotels to charge an extra fee for pet-friendly rooms, however.

2. Find a Friend or Family Member

If traveling with your pet isn’t a viable option, finding a trustworthy person to watch your dog or cat could be as simple as calling a relative or friend. You already have a relationship with them, so you can rest easier knowing they are someone you can trust. Many people will feel safer having their beloved furry friend watched by someone they are sure will take great care of them. Asking someone you already know may also help save money, or they may even watch them for free, especially if you can offer a barter or trade and watch their pet in the future!

3. Check Reputable Sites

There are a wide variety of websites dedicated to helping people find reliable, affordable animal sitters. Many sites offer background checks, as well as explicitly listed rates for services and what type of pets they will watch. This option can save you money, time, and you are likely to build a reliable, trustworthy connection. Many of these services will even allow you to “audition” a pet sitter and make sure your pet likes them before you travel.

4. Ask Your Network

If your pet goes to a groomer or playgroup, ask if they have a recommendation. Chances are you can find a great option through asking people you already know and trust. After all, good word of mouth can make or break any company so relying on the testimony of trusted individuals can give you peace of mind in knowing Fluffy will be safe and sound.

5. Try a Pet Hotel

Pet hotels are fancier forms of traditional kennels. Many locations offer fun doggy day camp and other activities during the day for Fido to socialize and exercise. You can choose from a variety of pet suites that have impressive amenities like comfy beds, scratching posts, or even televisions that play pet-centric videos. Some hotels offer accommodations for small animals like guinea pigs or exotic animals such as an iguana. There are trained staff members on site 24 hours a day so you can rest easy knowing your fur baby is in capable hands. These options are typically more expensive, but it may be worth it to you if you know your pet is getting top-notch care.

Whatever your budget, there are likely pet care options to be found while you take a much-needed vacation. Planning a trip can be stressful without the worry of who will walk, feed, and give love to your best animal friend. Finding and hiring a reliable pet sitter right away can relieve one bit of stress from your “to-do” list. By making sure your pet is happy you’ll be sure to enjoy your time away more.

Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) is a non-profit committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to make wise financial decisions and live debt free. Speak with a certified counselor for a free debt analysis today

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/planning-a-vacation-what-are-your-pet-care-options/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/planning-a-vacation-what-are-your-pet-care-options/Ready for Christmas? Start Prepping for Holiday Gift Giving Now!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/Evab7yglZH0/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/ready-for-christmas-start-prepping-for-holiday-gift-giving-now/#respondMon, 18 Sep 2017 12:58:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/ready-for-christmas-start-prepping-for-holiday-gift-giving-now/Halloween is still a month or so away. Is it really time to start preparing for holiday gift giving?

The answer is easy: Yes!

Christmas and other winter holidays can turn into major expenses for American families. In 2016, holiday retail sales in the United States totaled $655 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

Those costs often end up on consumer’s credit cards, adding up to more debt for many U.S. families. In fact, consumer counseling agencies see a 25 percent spike in calls from people in the winter. In many cases, it’s because they can’t handle their holiday bills, according to a recent ABC News story.

For these reasons — and more — now is a fine time to start planning for the holidays.

Here are five reasons you should start prepping for holiday gift giving right now.

1. There’s still time to make a plan and a budget

The hero of any healthy financial plan is a budget — for your day-to-day expenses and seasonal costs like Christmas gifts. It’s only September, which means there is plenty of time now to take an honest look at your financial health before the end of the year.

Have you paid down some debt this year? Have you put more away in a savings account or retirement fund? Are you living within your budget? Are there more places to scrimp and save?

Once you have your answers, tease out exactly how much you’ll have to spend on Christmas gifts. Ask yourself: Can you forgo dinners out in the next couple of months to save up some extra funds for holiday expenses? Do your kids need more outfits for school now — or can they wait until Christmas when they’ll have a better handle on what their friends are wearing and what they want to add to their wardrobe?

Making smart decisions now can lead to fewer bills later.

2. You can spread out the cost so it’s not a burden on your budget all at once

Your goal should be to pay off your credit card bills every month so that you never have to pay interest. That’s easier when those bills aren’t massive. You now have three months to spread out those holiday gift costs so your bills are affordable.

3. You can take advantage of sales

Sure, there will be massive markdowns on items right around the holidays. But stores don’t reserve great sales for just the holidays. We still have Columbus Day sales, Veterans Day sales, Thanksgiving sales and more coming up.

What’s more, the deals aren’t just on clothing, toys and home accessories. You also can get great deals on food, including turkeys, ham and baking supplies around Thanksgiving, which you can stick in the freezer or pantry for December holidays.

4. You have time to really listen to what your loved ones want

Instead of rushing around this December, checking off your gift giving list by quickly tossing items in your shopping cart, you now have three months to figure out what your loved ones truly want.

Instead of candles, maybe your mother would prefer some flowers that you can help her plant in her garden. Instead of another set of grilling utensils, maybe your brother would rather have some frozen meals that he can heat up after a long day at work. In many cases, what your loved ones really want will cost much less than the items you might randomly pick up for them at the store. What’s more, you’ll know you’re not throwing away money on things they have no use for.

5. Your holiday season is more peaceful

Planning now means you’re not rushing around during the days before Christmas, frantically looking for gifts to put under the tree. You’re also not fretting about the bills that you’ll face in the new year because you’ve carefully budgeted for all of your holiday spending — and spread the costs out over several months. Instead, you can revel in the happy smiles and special moments that are the best parts of the holidays.

The team at CESI is committed to helping you make wise financial decisions and to helping you understand how to get out, and stay out of debt. For a free debt analysis, contact us and find out how we can help.

5 reasons you need renters insurance

1.You need the coverage.

Your landlord may have an insurance policy, but that will not protect your belongings. Your landlord’s insurance policy only covers the building. What if your apartment catches on fire or is robbed? Your personal property would not be covered. You may think you don’t have a lot of belongings — but all of the money to replace them in the event of a total loss can add up. Consider what you would do if you had to replace your computer, cell phone, television, jewelry, clothes, and furniture. You don’t want to have to pay for all of that out of pocket.

Many insurance policies for renters cover losses from weather events, fires, explosions, theft, vandalism, civil commotion, smoke, damage from heating and cooling systems, and damage from frozen pipes. Most renters policies, however, do not cover losses from floods or earthquakes unless extra protection is purchased. Also, policies typically will not cover intentional damage or negligence. An insurance broker can give you a detailed list of all the things a potential policy you might purchase would cover, and any exclusions you would want to note.

2. It’s inexpensive.

According to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, the average cost of renters insurance is $12 per month. This provides around $30,000 of property coverage, which is what the average renter’s belongings are worth. That is much less than what it would cost to replace your possessions. If you think you can’t afford to add the small price of a policy for rental coverage to your budget, consider the larger cost of replacing your belongings in the event of a total loss and then weigh out what you could cut from your budget to make room for adding coverage.

3. It provides liability coverage.

Most renters policies include liability provisions. Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured in your rental unit, or if you accidentally injure someone. It also covers you if someone’s personal property is damaged in your rental unit, and can also be used to pay for legal expenses related to these incidents. Ask an insurance broker about the details of what a renter policy would cover for a full explanation.

4. You’re protected while you travel

Typically, a renter policy covers your possessions, no matter where they are. If you experience a loss outside of your rental unit, you are still covered. This can give you peace of mind while traveling with expensive belongings.

5. It might be required.

There are no laws that require you to have renters insurance. But, more and more landlords are requiring renters to prove they have insurance before signing a lease. You may have an easier time obtaining the apartment you want if you are able to show you have coverage.

If you are a renter without insurance, don’t put yourself in the position of risking your financial future by not protecting yourself. For the price of a few coffees or eating out, you can make sure your belongings are protected.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and are looking for a solution, non-profit credit counseling can help you make sense of all your options. Contact us today for a free financial assessment with one of our certified credit counselors.

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/five-reasons-why-you-need-renters-insurance/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/five-reasons-need-renters-insurance/Will You Be Able To Pay For Your Child’s College Education?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/cWsbNcBHlcc/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/will-you-be-able-to-pay-for-your-childs-college-education/#respondMon, 11 Sep 2017 13:22:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/will-you-be-able-to-pay-for-your-childs-college-education/5 excellent resources to get familiar with now

It’s go time for parents of high school seniors, who are heading to college a year from now. College visits should be wrapping up. Standardized tests scores should be just about polished. And the hard work of filling out those college applications has begun.

But that doesn’t mean only parents of high school seniors should be making plans for their college-bound kids. There is plenty for parents of underclassmen to research and consider in the coming year to make college more affordable.

Here are five things you can do now before your child is stressing over college application deadlines.

Don’t ignore the college fund

Maybe you opened a 529 College Savings Plan when your child was born. Maybe you haven’t saved a cent toward your child’s college education. Regardless, now is not the time to ignore an existing fund … or give up because you never started one.

If you do have a fund or savings account where you have diligently saved for your child, great work! Keep it up!

If you don’t have a college fund for your child, it’s not too late. You still can set up a 529 Plan and reap some of the benefits. Also, consider UPromise, which allows you to earn back money on things you buy, savings that you can then sock away in a GoalSaver or 529 account.

‘Score’ potential colleges

Some colleges and higher education institutions are fantastic values, featuring a low-cost, high-quality education and an alumni base that find jobs soon after graduation. Others don’t have such stellar track records.

The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard makes it easy to evaluate colleges and universities across the country with details about everything from the average annual cost and the graduation rate to the average salary of students after graduation. Students can compare schools based on their interests such as the location, size and degree programs.

If you’re a few years away from sending your child to college, you won’t be able to apply now for financial aid, but you can get yourself familiar with the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For those who will need financial aid, the form is critical. You’ll need to fill out it in order to determine your child’s eligibility for loans, grants and work-study programs. It also could impact the aid your child may get from other sources.

Early College High Schools, where graduates leave with a high school and associate’s degree or college credit, are great options for those hoping to cut college costs. These programs are offered in a growing number of public school systems across the country. Check with your child’s school system to see if an Early College is located near you.

Community colleges also can cut down substantially on college costs, allowing your child to earn a two-year degree at a much less expensive institution before they finish their bachelor’s degree elsewhere. The American Association of Community Colleges lists two-year institutions across the country.

Whatever you do, include your child, starting now, in your research about affordable college options. Make sure they have a realistic vision about what’s possible and what the options for them will be without racking up mounds of college debt.

The CESI Team is committed to helping you reach your financial goals. If debt keeps you from living the life you dream of, contact us for a free debt analysis today and get started on the road to a brighter future!

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/will-you-be-able-to-pay-for-your-childs-college-education/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/will-able-pay-childs-college-education/Equifax Data Breach – What To Do Nowhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/gyQ2vKJlPtk/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-to-do-now/#respondFri, 08 Sep 2017 15:44:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-to-do-now/Equifax, one of the nation’s 3 credit reporting agencies, recently reported a data breach that could potentially impact 143 million Americans. If you have a credit report, your personal information could be at risk. If you have been the victim of a data breach, you may be wondering what to do now?

It may seem frightening, but there is no need to panic.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft or fraud following a data breach:

Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) is a non-profit committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to make wise financial decisions and live debt free. If you have concerns or questions about your financial situation, contact us today — we’re here to help!

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-to-do-now/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-to-do-now/Daymond John: 'I Prefer Franchises'http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/n1Ga0EwPufE/6-key-insights-about-hustling-and-franchising-from.html
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/daymond-john-i-prefer-franchises/#respondWed, 06 Sep 2017 16:09:11 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/daymond-john-i-prefer-franchises/FUBU founder and Shark Tank star Daymond John talks about how to succeed as a franchise entrepreneur and offers advice for people starting up a business.

Considering that financial experts recommend the 20/4/10 rule when plunking down money for a vehicle — at least 20 percent down, financing for no more than four years and keeping monthly car payments less than 10 percent of your gross income — those high prices make it tricky for many to buy.

So, it should come as no surprise that some unscrupulous car dealers take advantage of shoppers, desperate for a new set of wheels by using deceptive car ads.

The Federal Trade Commission listed some of the top deceptive car ads. Here’s what the federal agency recommends shoppers look out for — and steer clear from.

1.Vehicles are available at a specific low price or for a specific discount

But, the commission warns, what may be missing from this “deal” is that low price may come only after you make a down payment of thousands of dollars and also spend money on fees, taxes and more. In other cases, the agency says, the deal is only for the most expensive model.

2. “Only $99/Month”

In reality, the commission says, those inexpensive payments are simply “teasers” and last for just a few months. Payments for the remainder of the loan may actually skyrocket.

3. Zero or Low Rate Loans

In fact, that low annual percentage rate, also known as the APR, may apply to only a part of the loan. A higher APR could kick in as you pay off the remainder, potentially hiking the total cost of the car by thousands of dollars.

4. “$0 Due at Lease Signing”

Be sure to read the fine print when you’re offered this “deal,” the commission urges. In many cases, you’ll still have to spend money — maybe several thousand dollars — at the lease signing to cover additional fees.

5. You’ve won!

Don’t get too excited. There may actually be no prize. It could simply be a ploy to get you to the showroom, the agency says.

The agency’s website has a list of questions car buyers should ask dealers before they sign on the dotted line. They include:

Is a down payment, taxes or some other fee included in the advertised low price?

Can I get the advertised discount on any model?

How long do the advertised low monthly payments last? Do they increase after a few months or do they apply for the entire term of the loan?

For car buyers, the best question they can ask themselves is this: “Is it too good to be true?” If you can’t get clear answers from a car dealer about their “once in a lifetime” deal, it’s best to walk away and not allow yourself to be taken advantage of by deceptive car ads.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and are looking for a solution, non-profit credit counseling can help you make sense of all your options. Contact us today for a free financial assessment with one of our certified credit counselors.

]]>https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/buyer-beware-watch-out-for-deceptive-car-ads/feed/0https://www.cesisolutions.org/2017/09/buyer-beware-watch-deceptive-car-ads/Is Student Loan Debt Out of Control? My Student Loan Story..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BelowTheRadarNews/~3/bU84zCr1IsQ/
https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/is-student-loan-debt-out-of-control-my-student-loan-story/#respondTue, 05 Sep 2017 12:50:00 +0000https://belowtheradarnews.com/2017/09/is-student-loan-debt-out-of-control-my-student-loan-story/It’s becoming more and more common for young adults graduating from college or other higher education programs to end their educational career with high amounts of debt. But how much is too much when it comes to student loan debt? At what point is the debt load that students are taking on too much to shoulder?

Student Debt Statistics

Recent reports indicate that the total outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.4 trillion. 2016 graduates owe a record-breaking $37,172 on average in student loans when they leave school For many graduates who are just starting out, their ability to pay these loans back is limited or even prevented by their earning potential. The job market for recent graduates isn’t perfect, and not all graduates are able to find employment right away. Additionally, many young adults leaving school are ready to get married and start families – which further limits their ability to pay back high amounts of debt.

My Student Debt Story

Looking back at my own experience with student loans, I have regrets. I chose a more expensive private school instead of a cheaper state school, which resulted in more tuition to cover with loans. When I left college, I was only able to find a part-time position, making a low wage and working fewer than 30 hours per week. After a year, I decided to move back in with my parents to save money so I could start paying back my student loans, which I had deferred them while I was not working full-time.

Soon after I started paying on my student loans, I got married and within a year was expecting my first child. Following the birth of my son, I went back to work part-time to save on the cost of child-care, and could no longer afford my student loan payments. This cycle continued for a number of years while we had another baby, adopted two more children, and experienced several moves and job changes/losses. Each time I inquired, my student loan company was happy to grant me a deferment on my account, but the interest continued to accrue. By the time I had been out of college for 12 years, the amount I owed on my student loans had increased by nearly $10,000 due to interest.

I am paying off my student loan debt now, and have been for years, but they are in an extended payment plan to keep the payments manageable. Under these circumstances, it is likely that I will be paying on my student loans until long after my own children have graduated from college. That’s a sobering thought.

What Are the Answers to Student Loan Debt?

I suspect that my story isn’t all that uncommon for young adults coming out of college, or for middle aged parents raising teens who are about to enter college themselves. There aren’t any easy answers, but the burden of student loans is a harsh reality for many American families.

Education about student debt seems to be more important than ever. For those who are struggling to manage their student loan debt, many are looking to experts to walk them through the process of sorting through the options they have available. Student loan counseling can help make sense of all the confusing options and help you chart a clear path towards successful repayment.

The team at CESI is committed to helping you make wise financial decisions and to helping you understand how to handle your student loan debt. Contact us and find out how we can help.